Bicycle rim

ABSTRACT

A bicycle rim comprises a radially outer peripheral part, a radially inner peripheral part, at least one sidewall, and at least one cover member. The at least one side wall radially extends between the radially outer peripheral part and the radially inner peripheral part. The at least one side wall comprises at least one opening. The at least one cover member covers the at least one opening, and the at least one cover member comprises a metallic material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/900,797 filed on May 23, 2013. The entiredisclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/900,797 is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle rim. More specifically,the present invention relates to a bicycle rim that providesreinforcement therefor.

Background Information

There are many different types of bicycle wheels, which are currentlyavailable on the market. Most bicycle wheels have a hub portion, aplurality of spokes and an annular rim. The hub portion is attached to apart of the frame of the bicycle for relative rotation. The inner endsof the spokes are coupled to the hub portion and extend outwardly fromthe hub portion. The annular rim is coupled to the outer ends of thespokes and has an outer portion for supporting a pneumatic tire thereon.

Bicycle rims are continually undergoing design modifications to makethem easier to manufacture, as well as stronger and lighter.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of abicycle rim that is provided with a radially outer peripheral part and aradially inner peripheral part. In view of the state of the knowntechnology, one object proposed by this disclosure is to providereinforcement for a bicycle rim.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclerim comprises a radially outer peripheral part, a radially innerperipheral part, at least one side wall, and at least one cover member.The at least one side wall radially extends between the radially outerperipheral part and the radially inner peripheral part. The at least oneside wall comprises at least one opening, and the at least one covermember covers the at least one opening. The at least one cover membercomprises a metallic material.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the at least one side wallcomprises a non-metallic material.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the second aspect, the at least one side wallcomprises a resin having carbon fibers or a fiber reinforced plastic.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the at least one side wallcomprises an outer annular side portion, an inner annular side portionand at least one slanting member. The at least one opening is defined bythe outer annular side portion, the inner annular side portion and theat least one slanting member.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the fourth aspect, the outer annular sideportion, the inner annular side portion and the at least one slantingmember are integrally formed as a single piece. Each of the outerannular side portion, the inner annular side portion and the at leastone slanting member comprises a nonmetallic material.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the at least one openingincludes a plurality of openings. The cover member covers the pluralityof openings.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the sixth aspect, the cover member is anintegral cover member that covers the plurality of openings.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the cover member is adheredto the at least one side wall by bonding or sealing.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the at least one cover membercomprises aluminum.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, with thebicycle rim according to the first aspect, the radially inner peripheralpart comprises a plurality of spoke openings. The at least one openingis positioned radially outwardly from the plurality of spoke openings.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicyclerim will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexeddrawings, discloses one embodiment of the bicycle operating device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle wheel that is equippedwith a bicycle rim in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicyclerim illustrated in FIG. 3, illustrating a radial cross section of thebicycle rim;

FIG. 5 is another further enlarged, partial perspective view of thebicycle rim illustrated in FIG. 3 as viewed from an arrow B of FIG. 3,illustrating the radial cross section of the bicycle rim;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 2, in which film members cover openings defined byfirst slanting members and second slanted members;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 2, in which one film member covers openings definedby the first slanting members and the second slanted members;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for manufacturing the bicyclerim of the bicycle wheel illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an elongated metal memberextruded for manufacturing the bicycle rim;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the elongated metal member thatwas formed as illustrated in FIG. 11 after being bent into a hoop;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 1, in which each of the first slanting members havean arched shape;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 1, in which each of the first slanting members havea wavy shape;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a bicycle rimin accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a further enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicyclerim illustrated in FIG. 13, illustrating a radial cross section of thebicycle rim;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 13, in which film members cover openings defined byfirst slanting members, second slanted members, and straight members;

FIG. 17 is a further enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicyclerim illustrated in FIG. 13, in which an inner annual bridge further hasconcave portions, illustrating a radial cross section of the bicyclerim;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a bicycle rimin accordance with a third illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicycle rimillustrated in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a further enlarged, partial perspective view of the bicyclerim illustrated in FIG. 18, illustrating a radial cross section of thebicycle rim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle wheel 10 is illustrated inaccordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle wheel 10 basicallyincludes a bicycle rim 12, a center hub 14, a plurality of spokes 16 anda pneumatic tire 18. As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle rim 12 is an annularmember that is designed for rotation about a center rotational axis Cformed by a hub axle 14 b of the center hub 14. The bicycle rim 12 willbe explained below in more detail.

The center hub 14 includes a hub shell 14 a that is rotatably mounted onthe hub axle 14 b via a pair of bearing units (not shown). The centerhub 14 can be any type of bicycle hub that can be used with the bicyclerim 12. In other words, the precise construction of the center hub 14 isnot important to the construction of the bicycle wheel 10. Thus, thecenter hub 14 will not be discussed and/or illustrated in further detailherein. Also, while a front hub is illustrated, the bicycle rim 12 canalso be used with a rear hub to form a rear wheel as needed and/ordesired.

The spokes 16 interconnect the bicycle rim 12 and the center hub 14together in a conventional manner. The precise construction of thespokes 16 is not important to the construction of the bicycle wheel 10.The spokes 16 can be any type of spokes or other type of connectingdevice (e.g., a metal spoke, a composite spoke, a disc-shaped connectingmember, etc.). Thus, the spokes 16 will not be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein. In the first illustrated embodiment, thespokes 16 are metal, radial tension spokes. The spokes 16 connect thecenter hub 14 to the bicycle rim 12, with one or both ends of each ofthe spokes 16 being provided with a spoke nipple. In the firstillustrated embodiment, for example, sixteen radial spokes 16 arecoupled to the bicycle rim 12 at equally spaced circumferentiallocations as seen in FIG. 1. Alternatively, eight of the spokes 16 mayextend from the center of the bicycle rim 12 to one side of the centerhub 14, while the other eight spokes 16 may extend from the center ofthe bicycle rim 12 to the other side of the center hub 14. Of course, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatthe bicycle rim 12 could be modified to accommodate different spokingarrangements (e.g., all tangential spokes, some tangential spokes andsome radial spokes, etc.) without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Also, it will also be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the bicycle rim 12 could be modifiedto accommodate fewer or more than sixteen spokes if needed and/ordesired. In any case, the spokes 16 are preferably coupled to thebicycle rim 12 in a circumferentially spaced arrangement.

The pneumatic tire 18 is secured to the outer surface of the bicycle rim12 in a conventional manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 5, the bicycle rim 12 will now be explainedin detail. The bicycle rim 12 is formed of a suitable metallic materialsuch as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Of course, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from this disclosure that the bicycle rim 12can be formed of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) or a resin with carbonfibers as needed and/or desired.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bicycle rim 12 includes a radially outerperipheral part 20, a radially inner peripheral part 30, a plurality offirst slanting members 42 (e.g., at least one first slanting member),and a plurality of intermediate members 50 (e.g., at least oneintermediate member). In this illustrated embodiment, the bicycle rim 12further includes a plurality of second slanting members 44 (e.g., atleast one second slanting member). The radially outer peripheral part20, the radially inner peripheral part 30, the first slanting members42, the second slanting members 44, and the intermediate members 50 areintegrally formed as a one piece, unitary member as discussed below indetail.

The radially outer peripheral part 20 is configured to mount thepneumatic tire 18 (e.g., tire). As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, theradially outer peripheral part 20 has a first outer annular side portion22, a second outer annular side portion 24, and an outer annular bridge26 extending between the first and second outer annular side portions 22and 24. The first and second outer annular side portions 22 and 24 haveclincher portions 22 a and 24 a for retaining the pneumatic tire 18,respectively. The outer annular bridge 26 is concaved and transverselycurved to form an annular tire engagement structure for attaching thepneumatic tire 18 thereon. Of course, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the first and second outerannular side portions 22 and 24 and the outer annular bridge 25 can beconfigured to accommodate a tubeless tire as needed and/or desired. Theouter annular bridge 25 includes openings 25 a for accessing and ormounting the spokes 15 in a conventional manner as needed and/ordesired. Alternatively, the outer annular bridge 26 can be free of anyopening except for an outer single air valve mounting opening, which isused to mount an air valve 19 (see FIG. 1). The outer annular bridge 26further includes an outer axial middle portion 28 (e.g., axial middleportion of the radially outer peripheral part 20) to which theintermediate members 50 are connected. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, theouter axial middle portion 28 is positioned in the middle of the outerannular bridge 26 along in an axial direction A of the bicycle rim 12,which is along the center rotational axis C formed by the hub axle 14 bof the center hub 14.

The radially inner peripheral part 30 is configured to mount the spokes16. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the radially inner peripheral part30 includes a first inner annular side portion 32, a second innerannular side portion 34, and an inner annular bridge 36 extendingbetween the first and second inner annular side portions 32 and 34. Theinner annular bridge 36 has a plurality of spoke openings 36 a thatcorresponds to the number of the spokes 16 and an inner single air valvemounting opening (not shown) for attaching the air valve 19 (see FIG. 1)in a conventional manner. The spoke openings 36 a are disposed atequally spaced circumferential locations in the inner annular bridge 36.Since the configurations and arrangements of the spoke openings and thevalve mounting opening for a bicycle rim are well known and varydepending on the purpose of the bicycle rim, the configurations andarrangements of the spoke openings and the valve mounting opening willnot be discussed and/or illustrated herein. The inner annular bridge 36further includes an inner axial middle portion 38 (e.g., axial middleportion of the radially inner peripheral part) to which the intermediatemembers 50 are connected. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the inner axialmiddle portion 38 is positioned in the middle of the inner annularbridge 36 along in the axial direction A.

As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first slanting members 42 radially extendbetween the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially innerperipheral part 30 in a first direction D1 slanted with respect to aradial direction R1 of the bicycle rim 12 as viewed in the axialdirection A of the bicycle rim 12 (see FIG. 3).

As seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, each of thefirst slanting members 42 includes a pair of first slanting members 42 aand 42 b. The first slanting members 42 a and 42 b are disposed oppositerelative to each other with respect to the axial direction A of thebicycle rim 12. The first slanting members 42 a and 42 b are alsoaligned with respect to each other as viewed in the axial direction A ofthe bicycle rim 12.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the first slanting members42 a and 42 b have first outer ends 43 a and 43 b and first inner ends43 c and 43 d, respectively. The first outer ends 43 a and 43 b contactthe first outer annular side portion 22 and the second outer annularside portion 24, respectively, while the first inner ends 43 c and 43 dcontact the first inner annular side portion 32 and the second innerannular side portion 34, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thefirst slanting members 42 a and 42 b extend radially and straightly inthe first direction D1, respectively, and are slanted in thecounter-clockwise direction of FIG. 2 about the center rotational axis Cat a first angle A1 with respect to the radial direction R1,respectively. Here, the radial direction R1 is defined as a radialdirection that extends radially from the center rotational axis Cthrough the first inner ends 43 c, 43 d as viewed in FIG. 2. Inparticular, the first slanting members 42 a and 42 b are slanted withrespect to the radial direction R1 so that the first outer ends 43 a and43 b connect the first outer annular side portion 22 and the secondouter annular position 24, respectively, at locations circumferentiallyspaced from imaginary intersections of the radial direction R1 on thefirst and second outer annular positions 22 and 24 in thecounter-clockwise direction in FIG. 2.

Again referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the second slanting members 44 radiallyextend between the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radiallyinner peripheral part 30 in a second direction D2 slanted with respectto a radial direction R2 of the bicycle rim 12 as viewed in the axialdirection A of the bicycle rim 12, in particular, in the illustratedembodiment, each of the second slanting members 44 includes a pair ofsecond slanting members 44 a and 44 b. The second slanting members 44 aand 44 b are disposed opposite relative to each other with respect tothe axial direction A of the bicycle rim 12. The second slanting members44 a and 44 b are also aligned with respect to each other as viewed inthe axial direction A of the bicycle rim 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the second slanting members 44 a and 44 bhave second outer ends 45 a and 45 b and second inner ends 45 c and 45d, respectively. The second outer ends 45 a and 45 b contact the firstouter annular side portion 22 and the second outer annular side portion24, respectively, while the second inner ends 45 c and 45 d contact thefirst inner annular side portion 32 and the second inner annular innerportion 34, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second slantingmembers 44 a and 44 b are extended in the second direction D2,respectively, and slanted in the clockwise direction of FIG. 2 about thecenter rotational axis C at a second angle A2 with respect to the radialdirection R2, respectively. Here, the radial direction R2 is defined asa radial direction that extends radially from the center rotational axisC through the second inner ends 45 c and 45 d as viewed in FIG. 2. Inparticular, the second slanting members 44 a and 44 b are slanted withrespect to the radial direction R2 so that the second outer ends 45 aand 45 b connect the first outer annular side portion 22 and the secondouter annular position 24, respectively, at locations circumferentiallyspaced from imaginary intersections of the radial direction R2 on thefirst and second outer annular positions 22 and 24 in the clockwisedirection in FIG. 2.

In this illustrated embodiment, the first angle A1 between the firstdirection D1 and the radial direction R1 and the second angle A2 betweenthe second direction D2 and the radial direction R2 are substantiallythe same. However, of course, the bicycle rim 12 can be configured suchthat the first and second angles A1 and A2 are different from eachother.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the second slanting members 44 arecircumferentially disposed adjacent to the first slanting members 42. Inparticular, a plurality of the first slanting members 42 a and 42 b anda plurality of the second slanting members 44 a and 42 b arealternatively disposed around the entire circumference of the bicyclerim 12 at predetermined intervals.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the intermediate members 50 are disposedbetween the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially innerperipheral part 30. The intermediate members 50 reinforce the bicyclerim 12. In this illustrated embodiment, each of the intermediate members50 has substantially a flat and square shape. The intermediate members50 are disposed around the entire circumference of the bicycle rim 12with intervals I to avoid the spoke openings 36 a and the inner singleair valve mounting opening (not shown).

In particular, the intermediate members 50 radially extend between theradially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially inner peripheral part30. Also, the intermediate members 50 radially extend from the radiallyouter peripheral part 20. The intermediate members 50 radially extendbetween the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially innerperipheral part 30 so that the intermediate members 50 connect theradially outer peripheral part 20 with the radially inner peripheralpart 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate members 50radially extend between the outer axial middle portion 28 (e.g., axialmiddle portion) of the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the inneraxial middle portion 38 (e.g., axial middle portion) of the radiallyinner peripheral part 30. In particular, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,the intermediate members 50 radially extend between the radially outerperipheral part 20 and the radially inner peripheral part 30 so that theintermediate members 50 contact both of the outer axial middle portion28 of the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the inner axial middleportion 38 of the radially inner peripheral part 30.

In this illustrated embodiment, the bicycle rim 12 can be also explainedas follows. In particular, the bicycle rim 12 includes the radiallyouter peripheral part 20, the radially inner peripheral part 30, theintermediate members 50 (e.g., at least one intermediate wall), and apair of a first side wall 46 a and a second side wall 46 b (e.g., atleast one side wall). The first side wall 46 a and the second side wall46 b radially extend between the radially outer peripheral part 20 andthe radially inner peripheral part 30, and the first side wall 46 a andthe second wall 46 b have a plurality of first openings 48 a and secondopenings 48 b (e.g., at least one opening).

More specifically, the first side wall 46 a that includes the firstopenings 48 a is formed of the first outer annular side portion 22, thefirst inner annular side portion 32, the first slanting members 42 a,and the second slanting members 44 a. Thus, the first openings 48 a aredefined by the first outer annular side portion 22, the first innerannular side portion 32, the first slanting members 42 a, and the secondslanting members 44 a. Likewise, the second side wall 46 b that includesthe second openings 48 b is formed of the second outer annular sideportion 24, the second inner annular side portion 34, the first slantingmembers 42 b, and the second slanting members 44 b. Thus, the secondopenings 48 b are defined by the second outer annular side portion 24,the second inner annular side portion 34, the first slanting members 42b, and the second slanting members 44 b. As shown in FIG. 2, each of thefirst openings 48 a and the second openings 48 b has substantially asquare shape with four corners.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, preferably or optionally, the bicycle rim 12further includes at least one film member 80 (80 a and 80 b) (e.g., atleast one film member) covering an area defined between the firstslanting members 42 and the second slanting members 44. In other words,the bicycle rim 12 further includes the at least one film member 80 (80a and 80 b) (e.g., film member) covering the first openings 48 a and/orthe second openings 43 b (e.g., at least one opening). The film member80 is a thin film that is constructed of materials such as plastic,carbon, or metal like aluminum. The film member 80 improves aerodynamicperformance of the bicycle wheel 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle rim 12 preferably includes a pluralityof separate film members 80 a each of which covers each of the firstopenings 48 a and each of the second openings 48 b (See FIG. 5). Ofcourse, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that only either the first openings 48 a of the first sidewall 46 a or the second openings 48 b of the second side wall 46 b canbe covered by the film members 80 a.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, one integral film member 80 b cancover a plurality of the first openings 48 a or the second openings 48b. In particular, the bicycle rim 12 can has two of the integral filmmembers 80 b which cover all of the first openings 48 a of the firstside wall 46 a and all of the second openings 48 b of the second sidewall 46 b, respectively. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art from this disclosure that only either all of the firstopenings 48 a of the first side wall 46 a or all of the second openings48 b of the second side wall 46 b can be covered by one of the integralfilm members 80 b. Moreover, of course, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the film members 80 a and80 b can cover only a part of the first openings 48 a of the first sidewall 46 a and/or part of the second openings 48 b of the second sidewall 46 b.

The film members 80 a and 80 b are adhered to the first side wall 46 aand the second wide wall 46 b (See FIG. 5) to cover the first openings48 a and the second openings 48 b, respectively, by bonding, sealing, orother means known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the filmmembers 80 a and 80 b cover the first openings 48 a and the secondopenings 48 b from axially outside of the bicycle rim 12, respectively.Alternatively, the film members 80 a and 80 b can cover the firstopenings 48 a and the second openings 48 b from axially inside of thebicycle rim 12, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10, a process of manufacturing the bicyclerim 12 for the bicycle wheel 10 of FIG. 1 will now be discussed.Initially, in Step S1, the bicycle rim 12 is manufactured by extrusionprocess. As discussed above, materials for the bicycle rim 12 can be,for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. As shown in FIG. 9, thematerial is extruded into an elongated metal member 82 with a basicoverall shape of the bicycle rim 12 with no openings such as the firstopenings 48 a and the second openings 48 b and no intervals I for theintermediate members 50. Next, the elongated metal member 82 is cut to adesired predetermined length for manufacturing the bicycle rim 12 of adesired diameter. Then, the elongated metal member 82 is bent or roundedto form a hoop. After rounding the elongated metal member 82, theelongated metal member 82 is formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. 10.Then, circumferential ends 82 a and 82 b of the elongated metal member82 is joined together.

Next, the first openings 48 a and the second openings 48 b are formedafter the extrusion process. In particular, in Step S2, the firstopenings 48 a and the second openings 48 b are formed by cuttingprocess. Also, the intermediate member 50 (e.g., intermediate wall) iscut during the cutting process. In other words, the elongated metalmember 82 is cut to form the intervals I of the intermediate member 50.The cutting process is performed with laser cutter. For example,referring again to FIG. 10, a laser cutting machine 84 is used, and alaser beam emitted the laser cutting machine 84 is absorbed into theelongated metal member 82 to form any openings including the firstopenings 48 a and the second openings 48 b, and the intervals I of theintermediate member 50. As a result, the bicycle rim 12 as shown inFIGS. 1 to 5 is obtained. Of course, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the cutting process isperformed with other ways such as a mechanical forming operation knownin the art as needed and/or desired. After the cutting process, the filmmembers 80 are preferably adhered to both of the first side wall 46 aand the second side wall 46 b, or either the first side wall 46 a or thesecond side wall 46 b to cover the first openings 48 a and/or the secondopenings 48 b.

In this embodiment illustrated above, each of the first slanting members42 and the second slanting members 44 has a straight shape as viewedfrom the front side of FIG. 2. However, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the firstslanting members 42 and the second slanting members 44 can have variousshapes, as needed and/or desired. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and12, first slanting members 62 a and 62 b, and second slanting members 64a and 64 b can have an arching shape or a wavy shape. In particular,each of the first slanting members 62 a and 62 b, and the secondslanting members 64 a and 64 b can have an arching shape as viewed fromthe front side of FIG. 11. Also, each of the first slanting members 62 aand 62 b, and the second slanting members 62 a and 62 b can have a wavyshape as viewed from the front side of FIG. 12. The term “slant”,“slanting”, or “slanted”, as used herein, encompasses not onlystraight/linear configurations but also arching/curving/wavyconfigurations as long as such configurations incline with respect to abaseline.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first slanting members 42 andthe second slanting members 44 has a straight shape with the samelateral width W as viewed from the front side of FIG. 2. However, ofcourse, it will be apparent to those skilled in the an from thisdisclosure that the lateral width W can be smaller or bigger, as neededand/or desired.

As explained above, the bicycle rim 12 has the intermediate members 50radially extending between the radially outer peripheral part 20 and theradially inner peripheral part 30. Accordingly, with this arrangement,the bicycle rim 12 with improved reinforcement can be provided.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 15, a bicycle rim 112 in accordance with asecond embodiment will now be explained. The bicycle rim 112 isbasically identical to the bicycle rim 12, except, for example, thatbicycle rim 112 includes a plurality of straight members 90 and aplurality of intermediate members 150, as explained below.

In view of the similarity between the first and the second embodiments,the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts ofthe first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as thepans of the first embodiment. In any event, the descriptions of theparts of the second embodiment that are substantially identical to theparts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the descriptions and illustrations of the firstembodiment also apply to this second embodiment, except as discussedand/or illustrated herein.

The bicycle rim 112 includes the radially outer peripheral part 20, theradially inner peripheral part 30, a plurality of first slanting members142 (e.g., at least one first slanting member), a plurality of secondslanting members 144 (e.g., at least one second slanting members), aplurality of straight members 90 (at least one straight member), and aplurality of intermediate members 150 (at least one intermediatemember). The radially outer peripheral part 20, the radially innerperipheral part 30, the first slanting members 142, the second slantingmembers 144, the straight members 90, and the intermediate members 150are integrally formed as a one piece, unitary member.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first slanting members 142 arebasically identical to the first slanting members 42 except for a firstangle between the first direction D1 and the radial direction R1. Also,in the illustrated embodiment, the second slanting members 144 arebasically identical to the second slanting members 44 except for asecond angle between the second direction D2 and the radial directionR2. However, of course, these first and second angles can be the same asthe corresponding angles of the first and second slanting members 42 and44 of the first illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment,as shown in FIG. 13, a pair of first slanting members 142 a and 142 b isslanted in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 13 about the centerrotational axis C at a first angle A1′ with respect to the radialdirection R1 as viewed from the front side of FIG. 13, with the firstangle A1′ being greater than the first angel A1. Likewise, a pair ofsecond slanting members 144 a and 144 b is slanted in the clockwisedirection of FIG. 13 about the center rotational axis C at a secondangle A2′ with respect to the radial direction R2 as viewed from thefront side of FIG. 13 with the second angle A2′ being greater than thesecond angel A2. The further detailed description on the first slantingmembers 142 and the second slanting members 144 will be omitted for thesake of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the straight members 90 radially extendbetween the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially innerperipheral part 30 in a radial direction of the bicycle rim 112. Also,the straight members 90 are circumferentially disposed between theslanting members 142 and the second slanting members 144.

The straight members 90 include a pair of first straight members 92 aand 92 b (e.g., a pair of straight members). The first straight members92 a and 92 b are disposed opposite relative to each other with respectto the axial direction A of the bicycle rim 112. Also, the firststraight members 92 a and 92 b are aligned with respect to each other asviewed in the axial direction A of the bicycle rim 112.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first straight members92 a and 92 b radially and straightly extend in a radial direction R13with respect to the center rotational axis C so that the first straightmembers 92 a and 92 b contact both of the radially outer peripheral part20 and the radially inner peripheral part 30. Also, the first straightmembers 92 a and 92 b are circumferentially disposed between the firstslanting members 142 and the second slanting members 144 that arecircumferentially disposed adjacent to the first slanting member 142.More specifically, the first straight members 92 a and 92 b arecircumferentially disposed between the first slanting members 142 andthe second slanting members 144. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst slanting members 142 are circumferentially disposed on thecounter-clockwise side relative to the first straight members 92 a and92 b while the second slanting members 144 are circumferentiallydisposed on the clockwise side relative to the first straight members 92a and 92 b as viewed from the front side of FIG. 13.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the straight members 90 further include apair of second straight members 94 a and 94 b. The second straightmembers 94 a and 94 b are basically identical to the first straightmembers 92 a and 92 b. The second straight members 94 a and 94 b arecircumferentially disposed between the second slanting members 144 andthe first slanting members 142. The second slanting members 144 arecircumferentially disposed on the counterclockwise side relative to thesecond straight members 94 a and 94 b while the first slanting members142 are circumferentially disposed on the clockwise side relative to thesecond straight members 94 a and 94 b as viewed from the front side ofFIG. 13.

The intermediate members 150 are basically identical to the intermediatemembers 50 except that the intermediate members 150 are aligned with thefirst slanting members 142 as viewed in the axial direction A of thebicycle rim 112. In this illustrated second embodiment, the intermediatemembers 150 are further aligned with the second slanting members 144 andthe straight members 90 as viewed in the axial direction A of thebicycle rim 112.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the intermediate members 150have first intermediate portions 152, second intermediate portions 154,and third intermediate portions 156. The first intermediate portions 152are slanted in the counter-clockwise direction at the first angle A1′with respect to the radial direction R1 of the bicycle rim 112 as viewedfrom the front side of FIG. 13. Accordingly, the first intermediateportions 152 are aligned with the first slanting members 142 as viewedin the axial direction A. The second intermediate portions 154 areslanted in the clockwise direction at the second angle A2′ with respectto the radial direction R2 of the bicycle rim 112 as viewed from thefront side of FIG. 113. Accordingly, the second intermediate portions152 are aligned with the second slanting members 144 as viewed in theaxial direction A. The third intermediate portions 156 radially extendin the radial direction of the bicycle rim 112, and are aligned with thestraight slanting members 94 a and 94 b as viewed in the axial directionA. In this illustrated second embodiment, any intermediate portions arenot disposed that are aligned with the first straight slanting members92 a and 92 b as viewed in the axial direction A for providing the spokeopenings 36 a (see FIG. 3) and the inner single air valve mountingopening (not shown) (see FIG. 1).

In this illustrated second embodiment, the bicycle rim 112 can be alsoexplained as follows. In particular, the bicycle rim 112 includes theradially outer peripheral part 20, the radially inner peripheral part30, the intermediate members 150 intermediate wall), and a pair of afirst side wall 146 a and a second side wall 146 b radially extendingbetween the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radially innerperipheral part 30. Also, the first side wall 146 a and the second sidewall 146 b have a plurality of first openings 148 a and a plurality ofsecond openings 148 b, respectively.

In particular, as best shown in FIG. 15, the first side wall 146 a andthe second side wall 146 b are basically identical to the first sidewall 46 a and the second side wall 46 b except that the first side wall146 a and the second side wall 146 b are further formed of the straightmembers 90. Likewise, the first openings 148 a and the second openings148 b are basically identical to the first openings 48 a and the secondopenings 48 b except that the first openings 146 a and the secondopenings 148 b are defined further by the straight members 90, and eachof the first openings 148 a and the second openings 148 b has a triangleshape with three corners.

In particular, the first side wall 146 a is formed of the first outerannular side portion 22, the first inner annular side portion 32, thefirst slanting members 142 a, the second slanting members 144 a, thefirst straight members 92 a, and the second straight member 94 a. Thus,the first openings 148 a are defined by the first outer annular sideportion 22, the first inner annular side portion 32, the first slantingmembers 142 a or the second slanting members 144 a, and the firststraight members 92 a or the second straight members 94 a. Likewise, thesecond side wall 146 b is formed of the second outer annular sideportion 24, the second inner annular side portion 34, the first slantingmembers 142 b, the second slanting members 144 b, the first straightmembers 92 b, and the second straight members 94 b. Thus, the secondopenings 148 b are defined by the second outer annular side portion 24,the second inner annular side portion 34, the first slanting members 142b or the second slanting members 144 b, and the first straight members92 b or the second straight members 94 b.

As shown in FIG. 16, the bicycle rim 112 preferably or optionallyfurther includes at least one film member 180 (180 a and 180 b) (e.g.,at least one film member) covering an area defined between the firstslanting members 142 and the straight members 90, or between the secondslanting members 144 and the straight members 90. In other words, thebicycle rim 112 further includes the at least one film member 180 (180 aand 180 b) (e.g., at least one film member) covering the first openings148 a of the side wall 146 a and the second openings 148 b of the sidewall 146 b (see FIG. 15). The at least one film member 180 is basicallyidentical to the at least one film member 80 except for that the filmmember 180 covers the first openings 148 a and the second openings 148b. Thus, detailed description of the at least one film member 180 willbe omitted for the sake of brevity.

In this illustrated second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the innerannular bridge 36 has a predetermined radial height H. However, as shownin FIG. 17, the inner annual bridge 36 further has concave portions 36 cand support portions 366. In particular, the support portions 36 d havethe predetermined radial height and are connected by the intermediatemembers 150. The concave portions 36 c are recessed in a radially innerdirection with respect to the support portions 36 d.

A process of manufacturing the bicycle rim 112 is basically identical tothe process of manufacturing the bicycle rim 12 except that the straightmembers 90 is also formed during the cutting process, and theintermediate members 150 is formed so that the intermediate members 150are aligned with the first slanting members 142, the second slantingmembers 144, and the straight members 90 as viewed in an axial directionA of the bicycle rim 112 during the cutting process. Thus, detaileddescription of the process of manufacturing the bicycle rim 112 will beomitted for the sake of brevity.

As explained above, the bicycle rim 112 has the intermediate members 150radially extending between the radially outer peripheral part 20 and theradially inner peripheral part 30. Accordingly, with this arrangement,the bicycle rim 112 with improved reinforcement can be provided.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 18 to 20, a bicycle rim 212 in accordance with athird embodiment will now be explained. The bicycle rim 212 is basicallyidentical to the bicycle rim 112, except, for example, that bicycle rim212 further includes a pair of a first beam member 100 a and a secondbeam member 100 b, and an intermediate member 250 that extends betweenthe first beam member 100 a and the second beam member 100 b, asexplained below.

In view of the similarity between the second and the third embodiments,the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of thesecond embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the partsof the second embodiment. In any event, the descriptions of the parts ofthe third embodiment that are substantially identical to the parts ofthe second embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. However,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat the descriptions and illustrations of the first embodiment alsoapply to this third embodiment, except as discussed and/or illustratedherein.

The bicycle rim 212 includes the radially outer peripheral part 20, theradially inner peripheral part 30, the first slanting members 142, thesecond slanting members 144, and the straight members 90. In thisillustrated third embodiment, the bicycle rim 212 further includes atleast one beam member 100 and the intermediate member 250. The radiallyouter peripheral part 20, the radially inner peripheral part 30, thefirst slanting members 142, the second slanting members 144, thestraight members 90, the at least one beam member 100, and theintermediate member 250 are integrally formed as a one piece, unitarymember.

As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the at least one beam member 100circumferentially extends across the first slanting members 142 (e.g.,at least one first slanting member). The at least one beam member 100includes a pair of the first beam member 100 a and the second beammember 100 b (e.g., a pair of beam members), and the first beam member100 a and the second beam member 100 b are disposed opposite relative toeach other with respect to the axial direction A of the bicycle rim 12.Also, the first beam member 100 a and the second beam member 100 b arealigned with respect to each other as viewed in the axial direction A ofthe bicycle rim 212.

In particular, as best shown in FIG. 20, the first beam member 100 acircumferentially extends across the first slanting members 142 a, thefirst straight members 92 a, the second slanting members 144 a, and thesecond straight members 94 a between the first outer annular sideportion 22 and the first inner annular side portion 32. Likewise, thesecond beam member 100 b circumferentially extends across the firstslanting members 142 b, the first straight members 92 b, the secondslanting members 144 b, and the second straight members 94 b between thesecond outer annular side portion 24 and the first second annular sideportion 34. Preferably, the first beam member 100 a and the second beammember 100 b are disposed around the entire circumference of the bicyclerim 12. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the first beam member 100 a and the second beammember 100 b can be disposed partially around the entire circumferenceof the bicycle rim 12. As shown in FIG. 20, the first beam member 100 aincludes a radial middle portion 101 a that is positioned in the middleof the first beam member 100 a along the radial direction of the bicyclerim 212. Likewise, the second beam member 100 b includes a radial middleportion 101 b that is positioned in the middle of the second beam member100 b along the radial direction of the bicycle rim 212.

The intermediate member 250 (e.g., at least one intermediate member)extends between the first beam member 100 a and the second beam member100 b in the axial direction A of the bicycle rim 212. Preferably, theintermediate member 250 contacts the first beam member 100 a and thesecond beam member 100 b. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 20, theintermediate member 250 extends between the radial middle portion 101 aof the first beam member 100 a and the radial middle porn on 101 b ofthe second beam member 100 b (e.g., radial middle portions of the beammembers) in the axial direction A of the bicycle rim 212 so that theintermediate member 250 contacts both of the radial middle porn on 101 aand the radial middle portion 101 b. In the illustrated thirdembodiment, the intermediate member 250 preferably contacts both of theradial middle portion 101 a and the radial middle portion 101 b. Theintermediate member 250 includes openings 250 a for accessing and ormounting the spokes 16 in a conventional manner as needed and/ordesired. Alternatively, intermediate member 250 can be free of anyopening except for an outer single air valve mounting opening, which isused to mount an air valve 19 (see FIG. 1).

The bicycle rim 212 can be also explained as follows. In particular, thebicycle rim 212 includes the radially outer peripheral part 20, theradially inner peripheral part 30, the intermediate members 250, and apair of a first side wall 246 a and a second side wall 246 b radiallyextending between the radially outer peripheral part 20 and the radiallyinner peripheral part 30. The first side wall 246 a and the second sidewall 246 b have a plurality of first openings 248 a and a plurality ofsecond openings 248 b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first side wall 246 a and the second side wall246 b are basically identical to the first side wall 146 a and thesecond side wall 146 b except that the first side wall 246 a and thesecond side wall 246 b are further formed of the beam members 100.Likewise, the first openings 248 a and the second openings 248 b arebasically identical to the first openings 148 a and the second openings148 b except that the first openings 248 a and the second openings 248 bare defined further by the beam members 100. Also, the first side wall246 a and the second side wall 246 b are basically identical to thefirst side wall 146 a and the second side wall 146 b except that each ofthe first openings 248 a and the second openings 248 b has a triangleshape with three corners or a square shape with four corners.

In particular, the first side wall 246 a is formed of the first outerannular side portion 22, the first inner annular side portion 32, thefirst slanting members 142 a, the second slanting members 144 a, thefirst straight members 92 a, the second straight members 94 a, and thefirst beam member 100 a. Thus, the first openings 148 a are defined bythe first outer annular side portion 22, the first inner annular sideportion 32, the first slanting members 142 a or the second slantingmembers 144 a, the first straight members 92 a or the second straightmembers 94 a, and the first beam member 100 a. Likewise, the second sidewall 246 b is formed of the second outer annular side portion 24, thesecond inner annular side portion 34, the first slanting members 142 b,the second slanting members 144 b, the first straight members 92 b, thesecond straight members 94 b, and the second beam member 100 b. Thus,the second openings 148 b are defined by the second outer annular sideportion 24, the second inner annular side portion 34, the first slantingmembers 142 b or the second slanting members 144 b, the first straightmembers 92 b or the second straight members 94 b, and the second beammember 100 b.

The bicycle rim 212 preferably or optionally further includes at leastone film member covering the first openings 248 a and/or the secondopenings 248 b. The at least one film member is basically identical tothe at least one film member 180 except for that the film member coversthe first openings 248 a and the second openings 248 b. Thus, detaileddescription of the at least one film member will be omitted for the sakeof brevity.

A process of manufacturing the bicycle rim 212 is basically identical tothe process of manufacturing the bicycle rim 112, except that anelongated metal member with a basic overall shape of the bicycle rim 212having the intermediate member 250 that is extruded by the extrusionprocess is different from the basic overall shape of the bicycle rim 12,and at least one beam member 100 is further formed during the cuttingprocess. Thus, detailed description of the process of manufacturing thebicycle rim 212 will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

As explained above, the bicycle rim 212 has the first and the secondbeam members 100 a and 100 b, and the intermediate members 250 radiallyextending between the first and the second beam members 100 a and 100 b.Accordingly, with this arrangement, the bicycle rim 212 with improvedreinforcement can be provided.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives.

Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”may be used herein to describe various components these componentsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a firstcomponent discussed above could be termed a second component andvice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the presentinvention. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompassesconfigurations in which an element is directly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element directly to the other element;configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the otherelement by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which inturn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which oneelement is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This definition also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms ofdegree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as usedherein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that theend result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired so long as they do not substantially their intended function.Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them unlessspecifically stated otherwise. The functions of one element can beperformed by two, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle rim comprising: a radially outerperipheral part; a radially inner peripheral part: at least one sidewall radially extending between the radially outer peripheral part andthe radially inner peripheral part, the at least one side wallcomprising at least one opening; and at least one cover member coveringthe at least one opening, the at least one cover member comprising ametallic material, the at least one opening including a plurality ofopenings, and the cover member covering the plurality of openings. 2.The bicycle rim according to claim 1, wherein the at least one side wallcomprises a non-metallic material.
 3. The bicycle rim according to claim2, wherein. the at least one side wall comprises a resin having carbonfibers or a fiber reinforced plastic.
 4. The bicycle rim according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one side wall comprises an outer annularside portion, an inner annular side portion and at least one slantingmember; and the at least one opening is defined by the outer annularside portion, the inner annular side portion and the at least oneslanting member.
 5. The bicycle rim according to claim 4, wherein theouter annular side portion, the inner annular side portion and the atleast one slanting member are integrally formed as a single piece, andeach of the outer annular side portion, the inner annular side portionand the at least one slanting member comprises a non-metallic material.6. Tice bicycle rim according to claim 4, wherein the at least one covermember is adhered to the at least one slanting member.
 7. The bicyclerim according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover member is anintegral cover member that covers the plurality of openings.
 8. Thebicycle rim according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover memberis adhered to the at least one side wall by bonding or sealing.
 9. Thebicycle rim according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover membercomprises aluminum.
 10. The bicycle rim according to claim 1, whereinthe radially inner peripheral part comprises a plurality of spokeopenings; and the at least one opening is positioned radially outwardlyfrom the plurality of spoke openings.
 11. The bicycle rim according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one side wall includes: a first side wallincluding a first outer annular side portion, a first inner annular sideportion and a first slanting member; and a second side wall including asecond outer annular side portion, a second inner annular side portionand a second slanting member, the at least one opening includes: a firstopening defined by the first outer annular side portion, the first innerannular side portion and the first slanting member; and a second openingdefined by the second outer annular side portion, the second innerannular side portion and the second slanting member, and the firstslanting member is spaced apart from the second slanting member in anaxial direction such that there is a gap between the first slantingmember and the second slanting member.
 12. The bicycle rim according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one cover member is a film.
 13. A bicyclerim comprising: a radially outer peripheral part; a radially innerperipheral part; at least one side wall radially extending between theradially outer peripheral part and the radially inner peripheral part,the at least one side wall comprising at least one opening; and at leastone cover member covering the at least one opening, the at least onecover member comprising a metallic material, wherein: the at least oneside wall includes: a first side wall including a first outer annularside portion, a first inner annular side portion and a first slantingmember; and a second side wall including a second outer annular sideportion, a second inner annular side portion and a second slantingmember, the at least one opening includes: a first opening defined bythe first outer annular side portion, the first inner annular sideportion and the first slanting member; and a second opening defined bythe second outer annular side portion, the second inner annular sideportion and the second slanting member, and the first slanting member isspaced apart from the second slanting member in an axial direction suchthat there is a gap between the first slanting member and the secondslanting member.
 14. A bicycle rim comprising: a radially outerperipheral part: a radially inner peripheral part; at least one sidewall radially extending between the radially outer peripheral part andthe radially inner peripheral part, the at least one side wallcomprising at least one opening; and at least one cover member coveringthe at least one opening, the at least one cover member comprising ametallic material, the at least one side wall comprising an outerannular side portion, an inner annular side portion and at least oneslanting member; and the at least one opening being defined by the outerannular side portion, the inner annular side portion and the at leastone slanting member.